What will your Holmesglen story be?

Ciampoli

Everything’s coming up Daisy at Old Paradians

In a masterstroke of recruiting, the Old Paradians were able to secure back-to-back victories after a strong win on the weekend. An orchestrated discussion with Dale Thomas a few weeks ago, resulted in the former Collingwood and Carlton star returning the favour to the club. Putting in his transfer, and ramming home five goals on his return to the VAFA; Daisy produced one of the performances of the weekend. Overall, the Old Paradians’ have turned another gear in the last few weeks putting in a dominant performance over the Whitefriars with a 62-point victory at Garvey Oval.

Even in the face of classic Friars pressure, the Raiders dominated the midfield and contest. Luke Brock ran the leather off his boots and provided much opportunity for forwards with the help of Daniel Comande and Harrison Colomer. Michael Boundy (4 Goals) joined Daisy on the scoresheet and made sure to capitalise on opportunity after opportunity. The Old Paradians have set the tone this week and are demanding not to be counted out.

Even on unfamiliar territory the Brunswick boys pulled off a masterclass against an in-form MHSOB. As per usual, the Unicorns came out of the gate with tenacity and vigour, they put numbers behind the footy which created a bit of confusion for Brunswick, resulting in their slow start. The heavy pressure from Brendan Cook and William Hellier, in addition to Mitchell Wilson and Chris Tetaz produced a game of tough physicality within the stoppages, thus boosting their contest wins; with the Unicorns taking an 11-point lead into the halftime.

But the Brunswick ‘never die’ attitude reminded us once more why they’re flying high atop the Division 2 ladder. Coach Tommy Hunter scoured through the gameplay books for an answer and shifted tactics to focus on a 1:1 contest, a strategy of brilliance. Tom Hedley stepped up once again putting on his best performance along the wing, accompanied by Will Mckenzie on the other side, the pair set up well and found good use of the footy. The third quarter saw Brunswick soar, booting five goals to take the lead for the first time all game.

Hayden Parker (6 Goals), who possesses the unique ability to know where the big sticks are at all times refused to miss, even snagging one from a tight angle on the siren to silence any doubts and go home with a hard fought nine-point victory. But not often enough is the backline praised for their efforts. Tahj Haddock shut down any and every opportunity Unicorn’s talent tried to create, and in tandem with Jake Ralston had Brunswick backline on lock. Overall Brunswick continue to prove their expertise in all facets of footy, from set-up to adaptability to creative flair, the Brunswick squad continues to surpass all expectations.

The Old Yarra Cobras stormed to Ferndale Park with nothing but a victory in mind. The last fortnight has proven tough for the Cobras due to injuries and a tough loss against an in-form Parkside in Round 6, however, a strong structure and sound game plan enabled a 34-point win over St Mary’s Salesian

James Fleming and Tom Bell put on a show for the fans winning contests in the midfield, which gave opportunity to the Cobras star forwards who collectively put on an absolute masterclass. Jack Hall (5 goals), Mitch Blundell (4 Goals) and David Tokatliyan (4 goals). But the Cobra crown goes to Nick Zappala who put a fantastic display in the backline and refused to allow any opportunities for the Saints. The Cobras are back in-form and are likely to bring the heat to a hungry MHSOB in Round 8.

The South Melbourne Districts have reached a record breaking high with a 127-point win over Bulleen Templestowe at Lindsay Hassett Oval. The Swans had absolutely zero mercy in all four quarters, even kicking 10 goals in a single quarter.

The highest scoring club put on a show with its talent-filled roster; Samuel Mcginn (4 Goals) and Jamie Brooker (4 Goals) were utterly relentless. Thomas Foley (1 Goal) and Jason Clifford (3 Goals) added their own skill and flair. Overall, the Swans continue to cause a riot in Division 2 and are most definitely ones to watch out for as they hold their spot steady in the top four.

For all four quarters the Parkside squad were ruthless. The Devils didn’t pause for a minute in their 63-point win over Aquinas. Daniel McMahon and Lewis Balcombe dominated the corridor and created opportunities through classic Devils run and carry. A forward line of goal magnets, Blake Salmon (6 Goals) and Mitchell Lawson (3 Goals) have shown their accuracy to be tried and true. But it is Benjamin Radford and his 7 goals which sent the fans alight and has shot him to first place in the goal kicking tally (29 Goals) snagging the crown from the previous reigning champion Daniel Wood (28 Goals).

Parkside have proven to be one of the most consistently accurate squads of the division and have only improved with every round. Going 19.9, it is clear the Devils need little opportunity to capitalise which is sure to be a worry for the rest of the competition.

Round 8 Tips

Round 7 Results

2023 DIVISION 2 MEN’S

GOALS: Parkside: B. Radford 7, B. Salmon 6, M. Lawson 3, B. Douglas 1, M. Romano 1, S. Logozzo 1

Aquinas: D. Mc Mahon 2, B. O’Loughlin 1, J. Nicosia 1, H. Dwyer 1, G. O’Malley 1, L. Choucri 1, J. Costello 1

BEST: Parkside: L. Daniels, B. Radford, L. Balcombe, M. Romano, S. Logozzo, B. Salmon

Aquinas: N. Hannah, H. Flack, G. O’Malley, H. Leigh, J. Costello, J. Morrison-Story

GOALS: Brunswick: H. Parker 6, J. Spencer 1, W. McKenzie 1, J. Paevere 1, T. Wilson 1, B. Wilson 1, T. O’Farrell 1

Mhsob: M. Pereira 2, N. Volk 1, W. Suhr 1, J. Eimutis 1, T. Rendell 1, H. Radcliffe-Smith 1, J. Radcliffe-Smith 1, S. Hayes 1

BEST: Brunswick: T. Haddock, T. Hedley, B. Wilson, W. McKenzie, H. Parker, J. Hedley

Mhsob: W. Hellier, B. Cook, M. Wilson, C. Tetaz, P. Pirozek, S. Hayes

GOALS: Old Paradians: D. Thomas 5, M. Boundy 4, A. Cafari 3, S. Thomson 2, B. Healy 2, H. Colomer 1, T. Cooper 1, M. Nolan 1

D. Wood 6, A. Jenkin 1, M. Simbolon 1, S. Kieseker 1

BEST: Old Paradians: L. Brock, D. Comande, H. Colomer, T. Cooper, B. Hogg, S. Thomson

Whitefriars: J. Perrin, M. Dickinson, M. Warrick, D. Wood, N. Garratt, T. Mercuri

GOALS: South Melbourne Districts: S. McGINN 4, J. Brooker 4, J. Clifford 3, S. Bradford 3, L. Sfetkidis 2, H. Blanchfield 2, C. Wilson 2, T. Foley 1, D. Barlow 1, S. Wilson 1, T. Bouwman 1

Bulleen Templestowe: L. Chu 1, T. Harisiou 1, L. Wallis 1, N. Hamzovski 1, B. Wilson 1

BEST: South Melbourne Districts: S. McGINN, J. Brooker, J. Clifford, T. Foley, S. Bradford, L. Sfetkidis

Bulleen Templestowe: D. Dakin, T. Harisiou, J. Torouno, C. Shiels, A. Murphy, L. Blanchard Old

GOALS: Old Yarra Cobras: J. Hall 5, M. Blundell 4, D. Tokatliyan 4, N. Sambevski 2, F. Joseph 1, A. Raso 1, L. Stacker 1, C. Johnston 1

St Mary’s Salesian: B. Andrews 4, J. Elliston 2, C. Tait 2, M. Herbert-Morgan 1, L. Russell 1, N. Catherwood 1, J. Mattiske 1, N. Evans 1, H. Macmillan 1

BEST: Old Yarra Cobras: J. Hall, N. Zappala, J. Fleming, C. Johnston, T. Bell, L. Stacker St Mary’s Salesian: J. Elliston, B. Andrews, J. Rubidge, J. Mattiske, N. Alexopoulos, N. Catherwood

2023 DIVISION 2 RESERVE MEN’S

GOALS: Parkside: H. Farley 1, J. Heritage 1, M. Doyle 1, J. Hamilton 1

Aquinas: J. Robertson 2, L. Koetsier 1, D. Malvaso 1

BEST: Parkside: A. Baird, P. Laffy, H. Manthorpe, A. McEvoy, L. Triscari

Aquinas: L. Holewa, Z. Jones, T. Box, I. Campbell, D. Pelosi, T. Freeman

GOALS: Mhsob: J. Cusack 2, A. Mourtikas 2, N. Harrison 1, D. Owens 1, N. Campbell 1, A. Horton 1, T. Golz 1, T. Raymond 1

Brunswick: A. Avraam 3, A. Alexandris 2, M. Mussa 1

BEST: Mhsob: S. Keough, A. Horton, G. Beet, R. Rae, C. Pearson, J. Growse

Brunswick: A. Fulton-Grigg, A. Bevanda, P. Scamporlino, S. Hijazi, M. Mussa, M. Dickson

GOALS: Old Paradians: M. Raponi 2, D. Pillusch 1, D. Girolami 1, S. Money 1, N. Spencer 1

Whitefriars: R. Calladine 1, N. Mercuri 1, C. Spencer 1, M. Hughes 1, J. Petrowski 1

BEST: Old Paradians: S. Money, C. Shepherd, T. Dimasi, J. Alfonso, R. Spencer, A. Kostov

Whitefriars: M. Hughes, T. Baker, W. Pyers, H. Hobbs, L. Galtieri, L. Parrott

GOALS: South Melbourne Districts: Z. Howson 6, W. Neville 5, D. O’Dea 4, J. Campbell 4, J. White 2, J. Pearce 2, K. Wilson 1, J. Bradley 1

Bulleen Templestowe: C. Burridge 1, J. Meng 1, J. Caridi 1, S. Lambropoulos 1

BEST: South Melbourne Districts: J. Corby, C. Byrne, J. Pearce, Z. Howson, D. Cooke, J. Campbell

Bulleen Templestowe: M. Cowell, Z. Spadafora, J. Caridi, T. Bone, N. Scala, J. Hopkinson St Mary’s Salesian

Old Yarra Cobras

GOALS: St Mary’s Salesian: B. McNally 5, J. Contencin 2, S. Matheson 2, D. Ryan 2, F. Fennell 1, A. Howell 1, N. Bainbridge 1, A. Ellis 1, H. Gastin 1

BEST: St Mary’s Salesian: B. McNally, T. Parkes, J. Contencin, F. Fennell, N. Bainbridge,

Howell

Yarra Cobras: N. Paton, R. Pollard, W. McLeod, J. Buswell, C. Mitchell,

Lauren Atkinson

Ivanhoe merciless in win over Therry, while it was Groundhog Day for Albert Park

Round 7 made for an exciting round of footy, with match ups that challenged all teams and provided a clear look into what each side is building on almost mid-way through the season.

Undefeated Williamstown took on second-on-theladder, Albert Park Falcons, at Fearon Reserve. Having fallen short of the win against Williamstown earlier in the season, Albert Park had an opportunity to re-test themselves against the best, while Williamstown had a chance to remind the league of why they are on top.

Williamstown opened the scoring, kicking one major and three minors, and kept Albert Park scoreless heading into quarter time. Lifting their offensive pressure, Albert Park’s Hannah Bur hit the score board and got the ball rolling for the Falcons in the second. While it was looking promising, Williamstown responded quickly, attacking the footy and capitalising on opportunities in front of goal, and went into half time with a ten-point lead.

The Falcons maintained their strong defensive pressure during the second half, keeping Williamstown at bay. Despite their toughest defence, Williamstown was successful in front of goal on multiple occasions and drew out their lead to 30 points by the final siren. Alessia Acquaro kicked two goals for Williamstown, adding to her tally as the competition’s leading goal kicker. Regardless of the Albert Park’s best efforts, it was Groundhog Day for the Falcons, leaving Williamstown sitting comfortably on top of the ladder.

South of the city, the Parkdale Vultures faced off against Old Trinity at Gerry Green Reserve. Focusing on clean handballs out of packs and to players in space, Parkdale were slick with their skills right from the start. Winning the first clearance, the Vultures set the tone for what was to come. Parkdale managed to keep Old Trinity scoreless until the third quarter in a dominant defensive effort. Sienna Symons starred for the Vultures, kicking three majors, and getting best on.

Despite only scoring one behind for the entire game, Old Trinity didn’t allow Parkdale to run away with the game, also putting forward a strong defensive effort. While Parkdale came into this week as favourites, Old Trinity were competitive despite the 39-point loss.

Over at Beaumaris Secondary College, MCC FC faced off against St Mary’s Salesian. Coming off the back of their first win against Therry Penola, St Mary’s was determined to continue building on the success of the week prior. A strong first half effort from both sides highlighted the intensity and quality of footy both teams can produce.

Returning to the field after the main break with a 20-point lead, MCC continued to apply superior offensive and defensive pressure, making St Mary’s attempt at a second victory difficult. While St Mary’s were not adding to the scoreboard at the same rate as MCC, they did not concede points easily.

Anna-Lisa Harris kicked five goals for MCC, while Ellen Pratt kicked two to contribute to MCC’s victory. Despite the strongest effort from St Mary’s, they were unsuccessful in securing their second win. MCC took home the four points, after a conniving 51-point victory.

Round 7 Results

The VAFA is looking for volunteer reporters to cover Divisions 3 & 4 Women’s for the 2023 season. If you’re interested, please email media@vafa.com.au

The match of the round was I vanhoe taking on Therry Penola at Ivanhoe Park. The Ivies put on a clinic, bringing home the biggest win of season thus far. While the 120-point victory was the result of effort from all 25 players, 11 separate goal kickers from Ivanhoe contributed to the colossal win.

Abbey Marcuccio showcased her versatility, initially playing full back but moving into the forward line and kicking three goals, while Georgia Pirdis impressed with her strong marking ability and accuracy in front of goal.

Regardless of Therry Penola only having 14 players take to the field, there was a great display of camaraderie as all players gave their best effort. Unable to impact the play which was heavily controlled by Ivanhoe, there was courage and resilience shown by Therry Penola, working hard as a team until the final siren.

GOALS: Williamstown CYMS:

A. Acquaro 2, E. Day 1, K. Maddock 1, S. Kennedy 1

Albert Park:

H. Buur 1

BEST: Williamstown CYMS:

L. Winter, P. Mackenzie, B. West, A. Acquaro, E. Day, K. Bundy

Albert Park:

J. Griffin, B. Wilson, I. Beerens, A. Barns, M. Sands, H. Buur

Round 8 Tips

Albert

Therry Penola

GOALS: Ivanhoe:

E. Johnson 3, A. Marcuccio 3, Z. Doyle 2, S. Callahan 2, G. Pirdis 2, R. Campbell 2, M. Uwland 2, A. Trew 1, M. Hatzimihail 1, T. McCrae 1

Therry Penola:

R. O’Halloran 1

BEST: Ivanhoe:

T. McCrae, R. Campbell, A. Marcuccio, S. Callahan, A. Trew, G. Pirdis

Therry Penola:

G. MacGregor, B. Le Roy, C. Sandman, C. Palmieri, M. Ratcliffe, R. O’Halloran

GOALS: Parkdale Vultures:

S. Symons 3, C. Phillips 1, A. Collinge 1, I. Daddo 1

Old Trinity:

BEST: Parkdale Vultures:

S. Symons, B. Allen, I. Daddo, H. McCorquodale, L. Burgess, C. Phillips

Old Trinity:

S. Lin, S. Bull, N. Borash, B. Eames, A. Malamas, A. Condon